2012 Skipstone Oliver's Blend
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The 2012 Oliver's Blend is dark, sumptuous and beautifully expressive. Dark red and black stone fruit, grilled herbs, mocha, leather, savory herbs and tobacco open up in a large-scaled, ample wine endowed with fabulous overall balance and tons of personality. Smoke, iron and a host of ferrous/mineral notes add complexity. The 2012 could us another year or two in bottle, but it is already quite striking. The blend is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc.
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Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grown in a 30-acre, amphitheater-like vineyard in Alexander Valley, Skipstone’s 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Oliver’s Blend was fashioned by consultant Philippe Melka and proprietor Fahri Deiner, a native of Cyprus. There are 500 cases of this 2012, which was aged 18 months in 70% new French oak. It reveals notes of melted licorice, espresso roast, white chocolate, blackcurrants, licorice and a touch of toasty oak. Full-bodied and opulent with a pleasant earthy character (as is found in many Alexander Valley wines), it should drink well for 12-15+ years.